This week we welcome all students back to our school. Understandably some students were a little anxious as they returned. For some, it was a long eight weeks since they were at school with their friends and teachers.

Congratulations and thank you to parents and carers for observing the practice of minimising the number of adults in our school grounds. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated and we are particularly impressed with the dropping off and collection of students. 

Not surprisingly, some students had mixed reactions to remote online learning.  Students from 6A enjoyed the flexibility of taking a break as required and the luxury of additional time to complete tasks. Other students missed their friends and the assistance of the class teacher. 

This week is not only one of reconnecting for members of our school community, it also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000. People came together across the nation to show their support for a more reconciled Australia.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – children, adults, communities, a nation. Relationships are at the heart of this journey, and just like our journey over the past few months it requires mutual respect and unity as we come together and connect with one another.

This week our students will participate in a class liturgy which recognises that we are all in this together. We all have a role to play in building relationships and communities which value the history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I look forward to the next five weeks as we settle into Term 2.

God bless 

Geraldine

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.  In John’s Gospel, Jesus comes to his small group of terrified disciples and offers peace with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This peace transforms the terrified disciples into a community of believers who go forth from that locked room to preach to the world the very mission that had led to the crucifixion of Jesus!  Pentecost is a good time to stop and acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to take stock of how we are using our gifts and talents for the good of our families and school community.   

This week at Holy Spirit, we value helpfulness.  Our students are encouraged this week to be aware of others and help them if and when needed.  Helping others shows our love for others and our willingness to assist those in need.  What better way to show that the value of helpfulness is alive and well at Holy Spirit as we offer assistance, especially during these unusual times.  

Yesterday was National Sorry Day and is the start of National Reconciliation Week.  The theme this year is, 'In this together'.  “The National Reconciliation Week 2020 theme reinforces that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.” 

“When we come together to build mutual respect and understanding, we shape a better future for all Australians.”  (Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer)

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.  The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.  These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.  Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Re-Opening of Churches

Last week the Queensland Government outlined a road map for the return of services after COVID-19. Bishop Tim has written to all Priests and Parishes to advise that Churches will remain closed until the commencement of Stage 2 which is the weekend of the 13th of June.  Bishop Tim has asked Priests and Parishes to prepare plans to provide a COVIDSafe Parish from this date.  It is our responsibility to ensure that when our Parishes open, they provide a safe and hygienic environment for the community to gather.

Stage 2 only allows for 20 people to gather for any individual gathering.  How this will happen is unique for each Parish.  Please continue to stay connected to your Parish community through these notices and join in an online Mass.  Pray at home information and resources is available from www.tsv.catholic.org.au/covid-19

God Bless

Caroline Fuller 

Our Monster Dodger Draw!!

Thank you to all who have managed to sell or purchase dodgers

In consultation with the Holy Spirit CAFE (Community and Friends’ Engagement), the fete committee has made the decision to extend the timeframe for the selling of dodgers. Could you please advise anyone who has purchased dodgers of the new date for the draw, Friday, 12 June.

Please return dodgers (sold or unsold) by Monday, 8 June in preparation for the draw, Friday 12 June.

If you have lost/misplaced the dodgers, please complete and return the form below by Monday, 8 June.

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

Defence Family Helpline

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Family Helpline. Run by the Defence Community Organisation, the Helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Stroll the Strand

So who has cabin fever and needs a catch up? Let's meet at the Rock pool for a walk along the Strand followed by a cuppa or ice cream at Juliette's. In line with government regulations, we will need to limit numbers to 10 (this includes children) and ensure we practice safe social distancing. To ease back into things slowly, we will limit the length of this activity to an hour. Bring a picnic rug so that we can enjoy the sunshine and coffee on the grassed area behind Juliette's. If we have more than 10 RSVPs, we will run a number of sessions over a week.

Please RSVP for Thursday 11 June @ 10.00am and include your name, the number of adults and children you would like to register and a mobile phone number. As part of our COVID Safe Plan, we will need to take address details on the day. To attend this activity, you must register.

Note: If government restrictions change, this event may be postponed

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee is back with a new name but the same great vibe. Join us for our regular coffee catch up. Each month, we visit a different venue around Townsville in search of the best café culture. In line with government regulations, we will need to limit numbers to 10 (this includes children) and ensure we practice safe social distancing. This activity will be limited to an hour. If we have more than 10 RSVPs, we will run a number of sessions over a week. To attend this activity, you must register.

This is a self-funded activity with attendees purchasing their own food and drinks.

Please RSVP and include your name, the number of adults and children you would like to register and a mobile phone number. As part of our COVID Safe Plan, we will need to take address details on the day.

Where: Grand Central café, Little Fletcher St, City. We will be seated in the spacious, undercover outdoor area to observe social distancing requirements.

When: Thursday 2 July from 10.00am - 11.00am

Volunteers and Events Training Program- FREE

The volunteers and events training program is an initiative that has been created to boost the skills of volunteers in the events sector and to support them to reinvigorate the tourism industry in North and Far North Queensland.

Launching in line with National Volunteers week, TAFE Qld Support local communities by providing a bespoke online training program that will give people the skills and knowledge that will be vital in helping the tourism industry to recover and prepare for the future.

Jump on board & support our local Sallyman team

Your local Sallyman team needs your support. Help them to raise much needed funds so they can update their vehicles. Get behind the team so they can continue to support our ADF members in the field. Support your local team and join #TeamSallymanLavarackBarracks. How can you help?

1. Donate to Operation Sallyvan
2. Share the page on social media to encourage friends and family to donate
3. Sign up to run your own digital fundraiser

“The National Reconciliation Week 2020 theme reinforces that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.  When we come together to build mutual respect and understanding, we shape a better future for all Australians.”

STRENGTH IN THE SPIRIT

Dear Parents 

Geraldine Egelton is currently conducting an appraisal of her in the role of PRINCIPAL and is seeking your feedback.  These appraisals are conducted to enable a school leader to have some feedback on their own leadership and help shape their professional study.

If you would like to respond to this survey please click on the link provided and complete the short survey. Survey link here.  The survey period will close on Friday 5 June 2020.

We appreciate your feedback. If you have any other questions please contact Stephanie Giorcelli (TCE Education Consultant) at sgiorcelli@tsv.catholic.edu.au

If your child is going to be absent, please enter the details through Compass, as this is the most efficient way to inform the school.

All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).

Phone 1800 826 155

The School Locker

Uniform days for students:

Monday and Wednesday - Formal uniform
Tuesday and Thursday - Sports uniform
Friday - own choice
Senior shirts may be worn on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.